2024 NHCC Board Candidates
We are pleased to introduce the candidates for the 2024 NHCC Board Area Trustee and Officer positions. Scroll down to learn more about them and why they are running. Board members will be approved at the Fall General Membership Meeting on October 25. We hope to see you there!
There are still several Area Trustee positions available. If you are interested in serving for any of the open positions, please fill out this form by Sunday, September 24.
Karen Yellman, Area 2 Trustee
My husband Ted and I bought our first house in Newport Hills in 1967. Newport Hills has been our “home town” ever since. We love it here!
Jonny Lu, Area 3 Trustee
Bellevue has been my home from childhood through college, where I built my career, and ultimately where I chose to settle down. Through working as a bus boy at Yea’s Wok to now leading strategy for Lithos Carbon, a climate startup founded by my Interlake classmate, I see what makes Newport Hills a neighborhood gem that my wife and I are proud to represent. Thank you for allowing me to have served as your Treasurer and now as your Area 3 trustee.
Laura Hauser, Area 5 Trustee
I fell in love with my post-modern Newport Hills house in 2023 and have spent the last 23 years enjoying the neighborhood, the dog park and working on my gardens. I love how close we live to Seattle and the surrounding areas. Now that my children have become adults, I look forward to serving the community and giving back.
Ann Brashear, Area 6 Trustee
My family moved to Newport Hills in 1964 – I left after college in 1978, but returned in 2002 and intend to make this my forever home. So, I am deeply interested in keeping Newport Hills the special neighborhood that it is – especially keeping our central commercial district alive and thriving. The Newport Hills Community Club organizes social events that help neighbors get to know each other, and serves as a point of contact to keep NH residents informed of City of Bellevue actions and other developments that affect our neighborhood. Both these things are so important to our quality of life, and I want to help!
Kazuki Sawanoi, Past President
I’ve lived in the neighborhood since 2000. I served as the NHCC President for the past two years. I would like to continue to be involved with this group to make Newport Hills a vibrant community.
Heidi Dean, Area 10 Trustee
My husband & I moved to “the hill” in late 2000 and raised our son here. I’ve served with NHCC since 2010 (4x President + other positions). Maintaining our traditions, creating new ones, and advocating for the neighborhood at City Hall are important and I love being a part of that. A connected neighborhood is a healthy neighborhood. It’s an honor to serve you.
Michelle Hilhorst, Area 12 Trustee
I have been participating in one way or another with the NHCC for nearly 22 years. Our family loves our neighborhood! We have so many friendships and wonderful memories created here. I look forward to continuing and expanding my role with the club in 2024 to encourage our newest neighbors to get engaged and keep the community apprised and informed on items that would greatly impact our quality of life. Keeping the wonderful way of life in our community takes all of us working together!
Riley O’Brien Wolff, Area 22 Trustee
My husband and I both grew up in the Seattle metro area, but bought our home in Newport Hills in 2010 after spending 8 years on the East Coast. We now live with our elemrntary school-aged son and our senior dog. We love the space and trees in our neighborhood as well as it’s proximity to the Eastside cities and Seattle.
Deborah Duitch, President
I am Proud to say that Newport Hills has been my home for over 42 years. Now I have the pleasure of watching my grandchildren playing and hiking on the same trails that their parents did many years ago. This is truly my community-and I hope that everyone who lives here enjoys being a part of our neighborhood.
Mona Shen, Vice President
I’ve been proud to serve as your Area 3 Trustee over the past year, where I have led the refresh of our Club’s marketing and community outreach that you see today. Professionally, I build gadgets that aim to create the future of virtual social connection. In the physical realm, my aim is to foster local connection to build community in the present. With your support I look forward to serving as 2024 Vice President and preserving our beloved Newport Hills community.
Deven Tokuno, Secretary
We’re lucky to live in one of the best neighborhoods in one of the best cities in the country, and I couldn’t be more pleased to support the community club invested in keeping it that way. As secretary, I’ll lean on my English degree (Go Cougs!) and experience ‘herding cats’ at Fortune 500 companies. I look forward to meeting and working with my neighbors in this capacity.
